Jazz Mini Festival
JOIN THE EXCITEMENT
In honor of the 100th birthdays of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, The Conrad presents a weeklong jazz festival that brings their revolutionary artistry into the present moment. This is more than a tribute. It’s a living celebration of two artists whose work changed the course of music—and a glimpse into the future they inspired.
DEEPEN YOUR MUSICAL APPRECIATION
Through a rich series of artist interviews and expert-led discussions – and concerts happening all week – take this opportunity to dive into the vibrant history of jazz.
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FESTIVAL INCLUDES
Monday, April 6 – Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • 5:30 PM & 8 PM @ The JAI
Emmet Cohen: Miles and Coltrane at 100
Back by popular demand! Multi–award-winning pianist Emmet Cohen returns to our cabaret space with his quintet and their bold interpretations of Davis and Coltrane favorites.
Monday, April 6 · 5:30 PM & 8 PM
Tuesday, April 7 · 5:30 PM & 8 PM
Thursday, April 9, 2026 • 7:30 PM @ The Balboa Theatre
Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane
A once-in-a-generation collaboration! Trumpet legend Terence Blanchard joins saxophone titan Ravi Coltrane at the Balboa Theatre for a rare San Diego appearance.
Thursday, April 9 · 7:30 PM
Friday, April 10, 2026 • 4:30 PM @ The Wu Tsai QRT.yrd
Brian Levy Quartet
The quartet will perform a tribute to the music of John Coltrane in honor of his centennial, featuring a variety of his compositions, as well as standards and original works inspired by Coltrane’s techniques.
Friday, April 10 · 4:30 PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 • 7:30 PM @ The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
COLTRANE 100: Both Directions at Once
GRAMMY®-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano joins an all-star ensemble including Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Ndudzo Makhathini, Linda May Han Oh, and Jeff “Tain” Watts to play modern interpretations of classic Coltrane repertoire.
Saturday, April 11 · 7:30 PM
JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
This Jazz Mini-Festival invites audiences to connect with the artists on a deeper level through a series of intriguing Learning & Engagement events! Enjoy interviews and expert-led discussions on how Miles Davis and John Coltrane influenced their music and shaped the evolution of jazz.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • 1 PM @ The JAI
Jazz Encounter: An Interview with Emmet Cohen and Joe Farnsworth
Dive deeper into the profound legacy of Miles Davis and John Coltrane with Robert John Hughes—a journalist, musician, and record producer who has interviewed hundreds of musical artists across jazz, pop, classical, and rock n’ roll.
Tuesday, April 7 · 1 PM
The Jazz Mini-Festival is sponsored by
